Physics

Undergraduate Study: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Minor in Physics.

Academic Program

Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact at the most basic levels. Areas include mechanics, optics and lasers, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, nuclear phenomena, condensed matter, and elementary particles. Physics is widely regarded as the most basic of all the sciences.

UHM offers both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in physics. Faculty members who teach physics courses are at the forefront of research in physics both in experiment and in theory. In the field of elementary particles, faculty members currently perform experiments in Hawai‘i, in Japan and in Antarctica to study neutrinos and high-energy gamma rays coming from the stars. Others are involved in experiments at the BES accelerator in China and at the KEK accelerator in Japan, studying particle production and decay and the violation of particle/anti-particle symmetry. In condensed-matter physics, they investigate nano-materials and use a scanning tunneling microscope to take pictures of individual atoms. Two free electron lasers are being installed in the physics department. These devices will allow faculty to carry out forefront spectroscopic research in chemistry, material science, fundamental physics and medicine. Often, undergraduate physics majors work on these projects along with graduate students and the faculty.

Major-Related Skills

In addition to discipline specific content, physics majors have the ability to:

think critically, logically, and independently.

make critical observations and evaluations.

apply mathematical theories and models.

design and operate scientific equipment.

organize, analyze, and interpret numerical information.

make sound judgments and decisions.

pay close attention to detail.

concentrate for extended periods of time.

Declaring Physics as a Major

Click here for a form-fillable Declaration of Major form . Complete the first page of the form and print two copies. Make an appointment with a faculty advisor in the Department of Physics to discuss your interests, major requirements, and course selection. The advisor will complete the second page of the form. Two copies of the completed form should then be turned in to the service counter for Arts & Sciences Student Academic Services.

Click here for concurrent degree requests (i.e., between A&S and another college or different degree programs within A&S, such as concurrent BA and BS degrees).

Created by Lynne Higa, Michael Kirk-Kuwaye

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